8 Free Things to Do in Anaheim
How to Experience Anaheim on a Small Budget
If you’re looking for the best free things to do in Anaheim, you’ll find that the city has plenty of lush parks that are great for picnics, strolls, and bike rides. A vacation in Anaheim can get pricey, as tickets to amusement parks and kid-centric attractions aren’t exactly easy on the wallet, so be sure to spend time in some of these natural, free places of beauty.
You can learn about Anaheim’s history at free exhibition or explore interesting murals and art installations. A short drive outside central Anaheim takes you to coastal cities and nature reserves, all of which offer outdoor activities all year round. Read on to discover the best free Anaheim activities.
What are the best free things to do in Anaheim?
1. Huntington Beach
Iconic pier with breathtaking sunsets
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
The coastal city of Huntington Beach is close to Anaheim, making it a good choice if you want to enjoy a day at the beach. It’s often packed with surfers looking to hit the waves on sunny days, but you also get to enjoy snorkeling and swimming, as well as sunbathing on the clean sands.
Huntington City Beach’s centerpiece is its 563-meter-long pier, which offers expansive views of the ocean. Huntington Beach is located about 21 miles south of central Anaheim, about 30 minutes away by car. Make sure you secure a sunset-viewing spot early, as many flock to see the spectacular sight.
Location: Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
Huntington Beach
2. Anaheim GardenWalk
Mall with murals and art installations by over 30 local artists
Good for: Families, Nightlife, Budget
Anaheim GardenWalk is an open-air mall and outdoor entertainment hub within the Anaheim Resort District. On a visit to the area, you’ll find a variety of dining and nightlife spots, as well as games arcades, bowling, and a concert venue.
Art lovers can take part in the free Art on the Walk program, which features windows displays, art installations, and murals by more than 30 local artists. If you enjoy live art demonstrations and seasonal exhibits, you’ll also find these at Anaheim GardenWalk.
Location: 400 West Disney Way, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA
Phone: +1 562-695-1513
Anaheim GardenWalk
3. Fullerton Arboretum
Home to 4,000 unique plant species
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
The 26-acre Fullerton Arboretum is one of Orange County’s largest botanical gardens. Located on Associated Road, it dates back to 1976 and functions as a natural resource for ecological and horticultural education.
The arboretum is divided into 4 main exhibits, with a total of 4,000 unique and rare plant species in the collection. A historical landmark here is the late 19th-century Heritage House, an Eastlake-style cottage which displays the medical practice and life of Dr. George C. Clark, Fullerton’s pioneer physician. Why not consider joining them for a volunteering event?
Location: 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, CA 92831, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Phone: +1 657-278-3407
Fullerton Arboretum
4. Yorba Regional Park
Parkland by the Santa Ana River
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
Yorba Regional Park is a 140-acre landscape that runs along Santa Ana River. There are over 300 picnic tables throughout the park, as well as 4 lakes, playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a fitness course.
Paved trails connect Yorba Regional Park to the Santa Ana River Trail, which you can cycle for 20 miles to reach the Pacific Ocean. You may need to pay a few dollars to rent a bicycle from the onsite rental shop, but entrance to Yorba Regional Park is free all year round.
Location: 7600 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807, USA
Phone: +1 714-973-6615
Yorba Regional Park
5. Oak Canyon Nature Center
A wildly beautiful nature reserve
Good for: Families, Budget, Adventure
Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 234,700 sq meter nature reserve with 3 canyons and about 4 miles of trails that are suitable for hiking and jogging. The park is home to a variety of plants, including western poison oak, California buckwheat, and California live oak.
Families can enjoy many activities at the nature reserve, especially in summertime. The Discover Nature Family Program is an hour-long weekend hike through Oak Canyon Nature Center. You’ll be accompanied by a park naturalist who will explain fascinating facts about the wildlife you encounter.
Location: 6700 E Walnut Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92807, USA
Open: Daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +1 714 998 8380
Oak Canyon Nature Center
6. Anaheim Packing District
Gourmet foodie district with live music
Good for: Food, Nightlife
The Anaheim Packing District consists of a farmer’s park and 3 buildings housing a variety of restaurants, cafés, breweries, and wine bars. It’s also the home of the Anaheim Packing House, which was once a 2-story citrus-packing warehouse dating back to 1925.
Today, the Anaheim Packing House is a gathering place and gourmet food hall with 20 eclectic food options, ranging from Indian and Vietnamese to French and Italian. Every weekend, you can enjoy the live bands who perform on the Mezzanine Stage.
Location: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Open: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm
Phone: +1 714 533 7225
Anaheim Packing District
7. Carnegie Gallery at Muzeo
Cultural complex with exhibitions and artifacts
Good for: History, Budget
Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center features a variety of inventive seasonal exhibitions for visitors of all ages. You can also enjoy free admission to the Carnegie Gallery.
The historical Carnegie Library hosts the permanent “Anaheim: A Walk through Local History” exhibition. This showcases various archeological findings from Anaheim and Orange County, including 19th-century citrus-farming tools, fossils, and ancient Native American jewelry. You’ll have a chance to explore personal items that once belonged to Anaheim’s founders, as well as Disneyland memorabilia, and artifacts from nearby historic locations.
Location: 241 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 714-765-6450
Carnegie Gallery at Muzeo
8. Pearson Park
Beloved park with a popular amphitheater
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget
Pearson Park features 19 acres of green space in North Harbour Boulevard. This family-friendly park is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities, such as jogging, hiking, and cycling.
At Pearson Park, you’ll also find a swimming pool, a tennis court, and softball fields. Children can let off steam on the climbing facilities and swings at the playground, which is located behind an open-air concert hall. The Pearson Park Amphitheater hosts a series of concerts during the summer, which are free to attend. Arrive early to secure a good spot, and don’t forget to bring your favorite snacks.
Location: 400 North Harbour Boulevard, Anaheim, CA 92805, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10.30 pm
Phone: +1 714-765-5155
Pearson Park
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